The Sri Lankan cricket head coach, Sanath Jayasuriya, recently announced the heartbreaking news of Suranga Wellalage’s passing. Suranga, father to national team player Dunith Wellalage, died at the age of 54 due to a heart attack. The tragedy occurred on Friday as he was watching his son compete in the Asia Cup match against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi. Dunith was informed of his father’s death immediately after Sri Lanka secured a six-wicket victory, casting a somber mood over what should have been a joyful celebration as the team advanced in the tournament.
Suranga Wellalage reportedly collapsed while viewing the match broadcast from a Colombo suburb on Thursday and was rushed to the hospital, where he suffered the fatal heart attack. A former amateur cricketer himself, his passion for the game, and for his son’s career, was evident until his last moments.
Dunith Wellalage received the devastating news of his father’s passing in Colombo after Sri Lanka clinched their spot in the Asia Cup Super 4s. (Screenshots)
Adding to the emotional weight of the day, 22-year-old Dunith Wellalage had bowled the final over of the match. In that over, Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi scored an impressive five sixes, accumulating 32 runs, which stands as the second most expensive over ever delivered by a Sri Lankan in T20 format.
Speaking to AFP, Sanath Jayasuriya recounted the moment: “The manager came up and broke the news that Dunith’s father had passed away after the game was over. We were stunned. Suranga was a cricketer himself, a few years younger than me. We are in constant touch with Dunith, and our thoughts and prayers are with him.”
Jayasuriya later extended his heartfelt condolences on social media platform X, stating: “Saddened by the loss of Mr. Suranga Wellalage. Dunith, your father raised a son the whole nation is proud of. Stay strong — we are with you, and his blessings will carry you forward.”
Sanath Jayasuriya, a former Sri Lanka captain, offered his condolences to Dunith Wellalage upon informing him of his father’s demise. (Image: Facebook)
In a more expansive Facebook post, Jayasuriya shared: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Suranga Wellalage, a father, a cricketer, and a man who raised a son the entire nation is proud of. Dunith, your father was a cricketer himself, and he can be truly proud of the son he raised. His values, his love for the game, and his spirit live on through you. I know how strong you are, and I have no doubt that you will continue to make him proud by winning many games for Sri Lanka.
“At this difficult moment, please remember that you are not alone. I will be there for you like a father — guiding you, standing with you, and supporting you every step of the way. The entire team, the nation, and everyone who loves this sport are by your side. This moment reminds us all how much passion Sri Lankans have for cricket—it is not just a game, but a family that stands together in joy and in sorrow. May your father’s soul rest in eternal peace, and may you find strength in the love that surrounds you.”
Mahela Jayawardena extended his tribute to Dunith Wellalage’s father following his passing. (Image: X)
Another iconic Sri Lankan cricketer, Mahela Jayawardena, appealed for privacy for the grieving family. He posted on X: “My heart goes out to Dunith and his family. I can imagine what they are going through. Also, I’d like to plead with everyone to give them the privacy they need. We don’t need live commentary during a highly emotional private moment.”
Wellalage has temporarily returned home to be with his family but is anticipated to rejoin the team for the remainder of the eight-nation tournament. Sri Lanka is set to play against Bangladesh in the Super Four stage on Saturday, September 20, followed by matches against Pakistan on September 23 and India on September 26.
Catch Lovlina Borgohain’s inspiring story on Game On, Episode 5.